International Tourism Program (Round 2)
International Tourism Program (Round 2) supports those promoting Illinois destinations, attractions, and events to international leisure travelers, funding marketing to help grow the state’s tourism economy.
Funder: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Due Dates: September 18, 2026 (Applications open) | January 31, 2027, at 5:00 PM (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $10,000–$200,000 per award; $346,052 estimated total funding; 5 anticipated awards
Summary: State-funded grants support promotion of Illinois destinations, attractions, and events to international leisure travelers.
Key Information: Applicants must be pre-qualified before the application deadline to be considered.
Description
The International Tourism Program (Round 2) is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). It provides state-funded grants to promote Illinois as a travel destination for international leisure travelers. The program focuses on marketing and promoting destination drivers, attractions, and events throughout Illinois to international travelers.
The program seeks to match or leverage local funds with state funds to support this promotion and ultimately contribute to economic growth in Illinois’ tourism industry. This round is listed as the International Tourism Grant Program, funding opportunity FY27-2. Applicants must read the NOFO Supplement and complete its application requirements.
